Approved Research This page provides a searchable list of all research protocols that have been reviewed and approved by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology(UNCST).
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Name Title Nationality Approval Date Expiry Date Field of Science/Classification Trial Type Research Type  
Zubair Lukyamuzi
ID: UNCST-2021-R013107
 THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN FACILITATING DISCLOSURE AMONG HIV AFFECTED COUPLES IN GREATER LUWEERO DISTRICT, UGANDA.
REFNo: HS443ES

1. To determine the predictors of non-disclosure among HIV affected couples
2. To document perceptions of HIV affected couples on using CHWs to facilitate their HIV status disclosure
3. To explore CHW’s general and attitudes about HIV status disclosure among HIV affected couples
4. To explore CHW’s experience in facilitating disclosure among HIV affected couples.
5. To determine the proportion of HIV status disclosure among HIV affected couples that can be achieved using CHWs

 Uganda 2019-08-26 2022-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Zubair Lukyamuzi
ID: UNCST-2021-R013107
 Feasibility and Acceptability of a Barbershop Based HIV Prevention Initiative Among Heterosexual Men in Kalangala Islands, Uganda: A Cluster Randomized Trial
REFNo: HS3430ES

1. To compare completion of self-initiated HIV testing between intervention and control groups
2. To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on change in behaviors associated with HIV acquisition
3. To compare interest in or use of HIV prevention services between intervention and control groups
4. To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on incident STIs
Uganda 2024-01-08 13:20:21 2027-01-08 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Zarin Machanda Machanda
ID:
The form and functions of leadership in wild chimpanzees
REFNo: NS288ES

This project will establish chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) as a new comparative model of human-like leadership by testing how individual variation across a leader’s temperament, behaviour, and physiology shapes collective action in natural social groups. The first aim of the project is to support continuing long-term data collection by the Kibale Chimpanzee Project. We have three additional research aims that are specific to this project: (1) to identify and describe different domains of leadership in wild chimpanzees; (2) identify and describe the characteristics of chimpanzee leaders; and (3) evaluate the success of different pathways to leadership for chimpanzees. This project aims to collect both observational and experimental data that will provide detailed empirical insight into leadership among wild chimpanzees
 USA 2021-09-08 2024-09-08 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Susanna (Zanna) Clay
ID:
The origins of empathy- Investigating empathy development in the first two years of life
REFNo: SS596ES

Empathy – the sharing and understanding others’ emotions and thoughts – is an essential part of what it means to be human. While empathy underpins our most meaningful social interactions, we lack knowledge about its developmental and evolutionary origins. Thus far, research on empathy development remains limited, something which may have led to inaccurate conclusions that infants lack the capacity for empathy before their second year.. Although the view that infants lack empathy has recently been challenged, current research remains constrained by a lack of research attention as well as suitable methodologies to study early empathy. A key goal of this project is to address these limitations by conducting the first major study of empathy development across the first 2 years of life. By combining observations with novel experimental techniques our goal is study how the cognitive and affective components of empathy emerge.

Another objective is to investigate the impact that the social and cultural environment have on infant socio-emotional development. Research indicates that caregiving and the socio-cultural environment shape infant development, however, there is little research looking into how these factors shape empathy development. In addition, most developmental research so far has been conducted on infants from Western societies, also denoted as WEIRD (Western Educated Industrialised Rich Democratic) whilst ignoring cross-cultural variability. By focusing on a subset of Western societies, current developmental research is thus not representative of global diversity; ignoring insights from cross-cultural variation may lead to inaccurate interpretations.

In order to address this and understand how the socio-cultural environment shapes empathy development, it is essential to study how empathy develops in a more diverse cross-cultural sample. Through doing so, we can also address which aspects of empathy may be learned or socially-mediated, and which might reflect human universals. The current project aims to address this by studying the development of empathy and the influence of the socio-cultural environment. The capacity for empathy has far reaching consequences for how we function as a species and interact with others. A lack of capacity to care about others (empathy) can have many negative consequences for individuals and our societies, including reduced wellbeing, quality of social relationships, crime and mental health. Given the importance of empathy for our social and societal functioning, it is essential to know where empathy comes from and how it is shaped by social and cultural experiences.

This project represents a continuation and extension of the research activities of a current and approved research project, led by Professor Katie Slocombe, running on infant development in the Masindi district of Uganda. This project was approved by UNCST and UVRI (UVRI-045/2017). Our current project uses very similar methods and is planned to be conducted with the same local research assistants and communities who have participated in this research.

UK 2020-11-17 2023-11-17 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
zaina Nakabuye
ID:
Technology orientation and the export performance of SME exporting firms in Uganda.
REFNo: SS1472ES

2. To establish the relationship between knowledge absorptive capacity and export performance.
3. To examine the relationship between supply chain agility and export performance.
4. To investigate the moderation of knowledge absorptive capacity between technology orientation and export performance.

5. To investigate the moderation of supply chain agility between technology orientation and export performance.

 Uganda 2023-04-03 20:58:43 2026-04-03 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Zaina Nabirye Lubwama
ID: UNCST-2025-R022146
 The Persistance of Indian Built Heritage in Busoga, Eastern Uganda, 1903-2023.
REFNo: SS4509ES

1. To examine the evolution of Indian-built heritage in Busoga from 1903 to 1962.
2. To analyze how and why Indian-built heritage adapted and maintained its vitality from 1962 to 1979.
3. To examine the changes and continuities of Indian built heritage in Busoga from 1979 to 2023.

 Uganda 2025-11-21 14:58:05 2028-11-21 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Zablon Igirikwayo K
ID:
ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION PATTERNS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG OUTPATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN JINJA CITY
REFNo: HS3499ES

4. To explore the views of prescribers for what influences the observed ABPR, level of appropriateness of antibiotic prescription and factors associated with antibiotic prescription among outpatients diagnosed with RTIs at health facilities in Jinja City.,3. To establish the patient and institutional factors associated with antibiotic prescription among outpatients diagnosed with RTIs at health facilities in Jinja City.,2. To determine the appropriateness of antibiotic prescription among respiratory tract outpatients in public health facilities in Jinja City. ,1. To determine the prevalence of antibiotic prescription among outpatients with RTI in public facilities in Jinja City from 01st January to 31st December 2022.,To determine the antibiotic prescription patterns and associated factors among outpatients diagnosed with RTIs in Jinja City. ,
 Uganda 2024-03-20 15:50:21 2027-03-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Zabibu Afazali
ID: UNCST-2024-R004457
 An Assessment of Midterm Access: Beneficiary Perspectives of Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS)
REFNo: SS3045ES

3. To examine MURBS members\' perspectives on the management of midterm access and pension funds.,2. Analyze the experiences and usage behavior pertaining to midterm access.,1. To investigate the factors influencing mid-term access and the underlying motivations.,To evaluate midterm access to pension funds by uncovering motivations, analyzing experiences and assessing management perspectives,
 Uganda 2024-10-23 17:14:33 2027-10-23 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
YVONNE KARAMAGI
ID:
A Qualitative Study On The Impact Of COVID 19 On Mental Health Of Adolescents Living With HIV (15-19 Yrs.) At Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
REFNo: HS2612ES

Aim 1: To explore the effects of COVID-19 and its social control measures on mental health of ALHIV aged 15-19 years Aim 2: To identify the multi-level factors of resilience (i.e., individual, family and community) with their effects on ALHIV’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic Aim 3: To describe the Caregivers and health providers' experiences when looking after ALHIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in context to their mental health
Uganda 2023-01-18 18:43:18 2026-01-18 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
YVETTE SSEBUNYA
ID:
ELUCIDATING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, COST OF PRODUCTION OF THE MUGUGA COCKTAIL ECF STABILATE AND ANALYSIS OF THE VACCINE SUPPLY CHAIN IN EASTERN AFRICA.
REFNo: A209ES


1.To describe the optimal vaccine production process of the Muguga cocktail.
2.To determine the cost of production of the Muguga stabilate and profitability of producing the Muguga cocktail vaccine.
3.To describe the East Coast Fever vaccine supply chain.
4.To identify alternative strategies to improve Muguga cocktail vaccine production and supply.

 Uganda 2022-09-12 18:26:18 2025-09-12 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
YUSUF KASUMBA
ID:
Religious Puritanism and Political Contestations in Uganda: The Case Of The Salaf Sect, 1980-2010
REFNo: SS657ES

i)To examine the roots of religious puritanism among the Salaf in Uganda.
ii) To analyze the internal and external motivators of radicalization that have resulted into religious extremism in the past three decades.
iii) To explore the link between religious puritanism and the political contestations in Uganda.
iv) To examine the strategies employed by the state and other actors in combating religious puritanism in Uganda.
 Uganda 2023-01-10 12:02:11 2026-01-10 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Yunia Mayanja
ID:
Improving HIV Prevention among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Uganda.
REFNo: HS2490ES

The purpose of the PhD project is to determine preferences for biomedical HIV prevention methods among 14-24-year-old adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at risk of HIV infection and to evaluate a peer support intervention aimed at improving uptake of and adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Main Study Aims: i) To determine preferences for five biomedical HIV prevention methods among 14-24-year-old AGYW at risk of HIV infection in Kampala, Uganda including oral PrEP, injectable PrEP, vaginal ring, PrEP implant and HIV vaccine. ii) To evaluate a peer support intervention aimed at improving uptake of and adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the only currently available biomedical HIV prevention method in Uganda. Study Objectives: i. To determine preferences for five biomedical HIV prevention methods among 14-24-year-old AGYW in Kampala, Uganda, and determine factors associated with preference for oral PrEP. ii. To evaluate the effect of a peer support intervention on uptake of and adherence to oral PrEP among 14-24-year-old AGYW at risk of HIV infection in Kampala, Uganda. iii. To evaluate the effect of a peer support intervention aimed at improving oral PrEP uptake and adherence, on sexual behavior and reproductive health outcomes among AGYW in Kampala, Uganda. iv. To explore AGYW perceptions and experiences of the peer support intervention aimed at improving oral PrEP uptake and adherence.
Uganda 2022-11-23 12:36:50 2025-11-23 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Yunia Mayanja
ID:
Universally Accessible HIV Prevention Technologies for African Girls and Young Women through Knowledge Applied from Behavioural Economics (UPTAKE) Prospective cohort study, costing and economic modelling.
REFNo: HS3488ES

Overall aim To incorporate social behavioural research within a Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention programme to improve effective use of current HIV prevention options and inform the development of future HIV prevention and contraceptive technologies addressing unmet needs of women at high risk of HIV. Specific objectives 1. To design support messages, based on a previous market segmentation analysis, for women at high risk of HIV infection and integrate them into a differentiated service delivery package in two urban sites. 2. To describe women’s relative preferences for use of HIV prevention and LA marketed contraceptive products. 3. To analyse socio demographic, behavioural and qualitative data and assess factors underlying preferences and reasons for changes in HIV prevention and LA contraceptive method choices over six months. 4. To analyse service utilisation and estimate the cost of delivery of a differentiated service delivery package (health service perspective) 5. To estimate the potential cost to service users of accessing the differentiated service delivery package (patient perspective). 6. To estimate the potential cost effectiveness of use of long-acting HIV prevention products in development if introduced within a differentiated service delivery package.
Uganda 2023-12-21 10:41:29 2026-12-21 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Yueh-ya Hsu
ID: UNCST-2025-R021249
 The Impact of Microcredit for Refugees and Host Communities
REFNo: SS4473ES

The aim of this project is to provide some of the first evidence on the benefits of extending credit to refugees, with a focus on documenting both financial and psychosocial gains. The team's close partnership with the UNHCR and the World Bank ensures that the results can be quickly disseminated to key actors in this space. UNHCR operates in over 136 countries and collaborates closely with implementing partners to develop and disseminate impactful programs. They are eager to build a body of evidence to inform the pursuit of certain policies over others, and facilitate discussions with local governments about implementing these policies.
 Taiwan 2025-10-17 19:36:16 2028-10-17 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Yoanna Pumpalova
ID:
Symptom Profile Among Women in Uganda with Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Breast Cancer and Their Understanding of the Role of Palliative Chemotherapy
REFNo: HS141ES

The proposed study will enroll patients with newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer who present to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)/Mulago breast cancer clinics and the UCI Private ward/Mulago Solid Tumor ward and pose the following research questions: 1) What are these patients’ dominant symptoms and how are they being addressed? 2) What is the patients’ understanding of the goal of chemotherapy in their disease?
USA 2017-11-23 2020-11-23 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Yotam Gidron
ID: UNCST-2023-R006383
 Redistribution, subjectivity, and the virtual: A view from the south
REFNo: SS2172ES

Evaluate the role of mobile technologies in practices of sharing and redistribution,Map and historicize practices of sharing and redistribution,Explore how new mobile technologies are transforming, or are being incorporated into, indigenous mechanisms and ideologies of sharing and redistribution among Nuer refugees in Uganda. ,
 Romania 2024-02-29 17:10:18 2027-03-01 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Yolana Pringle
ID:
Violence and public health in East Africa, c.1950s-1980s
REFNo: SS9ES

This project represents the first historically-grounded analysis of the relationship between violence and public health in mid-twentieth century East Africa. It does so through three case studies, examining the impact of violence on the health of civilian populations and on public health responses during: Kenya’s Mau Mau rebellion (1952-9), the Rwenzururu movement in western Uganda (1960s and 1970s), and civil war in the Luwero Triangle (1982-6). The project will draw from archival material in Uganda’s National and District archives, the Kenya National Archives, and international organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO).\r\n\r\nThe project's research objectives / questions are to determine:\r\n- To what extent did public health priorities shift during periods of collective and interpersonal violence?\r\n- How did public health officials and international organisations respond to problems of:\r\n - Infectious and communicable diseases\r\n - Water and sanitation\r\n - Nutritional diseases\r\n - Physical and psychological trauma\r\n - Access to healthcare\r\n- Who has been responsible for health during periods of collective and interpersonal violence?\r\n\r\nThrough these research questions, the project aims:\r\n- To broaden our understanding about the operation of public health in sub-Saharan Africa in the past\r\n- To shed new light on the dynamics of violence in East Africa since the 1950s\r\n- To extend our understanding of the emergence of violence as a global public health priority, and the role of East Africa within this\r\n\r\nA full research proposal is attached to this application.
 UK 2016-08-24 2019-08-24 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Honoka Yokoyama
ID: UNCST-2024-R002478
 A Study of the Educational Relationship between Teachers and Students in Ugandan Secondary Schools
REFNo: SS3639ES

The purpose of this study is to clarify how the educational relationship between teachers and students is constructed in diverse relationships under the respective rationales of teachers and students, focusing on situations such as daily student guidance and learning.
 Japan 2025-09-23 10:52:39 2028-09-23 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Yvonne Mugerwa Kidza Kitego
ID:
The Kampala Slum Maternal Newborn (MaNe) Project - Innovating for Better Referral Systems: an implementation research protocol
REFNo: HS962ES

• To harness the public and private facility mix to provide quality and affordable maternal and newborn care services to the urban poor.
• To strengthen referral linkages between public and private health facilities for MNH care.
• To educate mothers, caretakers of newborns and spouses about appropriate actions on what MNH services to seek and from where
 Uganda 2021-01-06 2024-01-06 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Yvonne Mugerwa Kidza Kitego
ID:
Heat-stable Carbetocin for Postpartum Hemorrhage prevention and Tranexamic Acid for PPH treatment in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care facilities: Protocol for a pilot study in humanitarian settings in Uganda
REFNo: HS2456ES

The specific objectives of the study are to 1. To explore the feasibility, acceptability, and scalability of introduction of HSC and TXA in PPH prevention and management (as per WHO PPH guidelines) in BEMONC facilities in Humanitarian settings in Uganda. 2. To identify facilitators and barriers to successful introduction of HSC and TXA for PPH prevention and management (as per WHO PPH guidelines) in BeMONC facilities in Humanitarian settings In Uganda. (Including facilitators and barriers to introduction of and adherence to the WHO PPH guidelines in general). 3. To describe the effect (on quality of maternal and newborn health care) of introduction of a package of interventions that includes a) refresher training on PPH prevention and management (as per WHO and MOH guidelines) and b) introduction of HSC and TXA for PPH prevention and management of PPH in BEMONC facilities in Humanitarian settings in Uganda. ,
 Uganda 2022-10-13 13:10:55 2025-10-13 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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